The English We Speak

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'It leaves a bad taste in your mouth': What does it mean?

Episode 181203
/ 03 Dec 2018

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Summary

Neil's very hungry and wants to try out a new chicken restaurant. Feifei says she's been there already and it left a bad taste in her mouth – even though the food was delicious. What does she mean? Learn a phrase about bad experiences.

Transcript

Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei.

Neil And I’m hungry – I mean Neil. Feifei, why did you book this studio recording session at midday? I'm starving! Do you fancy going for lunch? I've heard that new chicken restaurant just down the road is excellent!

Feifei Not sure about that.

Neil Oh, have you been there before?

Feifei Yes, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

Neil Oh really? So the food's bad? Everyone says it's great!

Feifei Well, the food was great…

Neil Eh? The food was great but it left a bad taste in your mouth? I don't understand!

Feifei Let me explain. If something leaves a bad taste in your mouth, it means you've 'had a bad experience and the memory is unpleasant'.

Neil Oh I see. So, what went wrong?

Feifei The bill was twice as much as it should have been!

NeilAh, I get it now! We use the expression it leaves a bad taste in your mouth when we have a negative experience and feel bad or angry about it afterwards – like being ripped off in a restaurant!

Feifei Come on, Neil. Let's hear some examples. Then we can go for lunch somewhere that doesn't rip me off!

Examples I refuse to go back to that hotel. They were so rude! It left a bad taste in my mouth.

When my boss sent me that angry email last thing on Friday, it left a bad taste in my mouth.

It left a bad taste in my mouth when I got fined for going just one mile an hour over the speed limit!

Feifei This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. And I'm with Neil, who was wondering why I've got a bad taste in my mouth when it's got nothing to do with food.

Neil We use the expression it 'leaves a bad taste in your mouth' when we have a negative experience and feel bad or angry about it afterwards. So, is it time for lunch?

Feifei Yes, Neil! I really want you to come and try that new tofu place. The food is just delicious and the service is excellent!